This thesis examines the historical geography of the botanical gardens of Jamaica between 1774 and 1907. My original contribution to knowledge is two fold. On the one hand, it is empirical - a history of these sites has not been written. On the other hand, I suggest that examining sites of colonial endeavour away from the metropole shows a more detailed, complex and messy story that is indicative of the contingent and fallible relationships that strained to hold empire together. I illustrate how the tropics were articulated on the island and elsewhere in the British Empire. To do this archival material has been viewed with an eye to hermeneutic analysis. In particular the thesis refuses both analytically and methodologically a focus on Kew Gardens, London, Britain or Europe as a 'centre' to Jamaica's 'periphery'. I shine an optic onto the lives of many who passed through and interacted with these botanical sites and seek to interpret the consequent representations of the politico-meteorological 'tropical' island. Coming from a tradition of work that emphasises the importance of place, this study considers eight locations where public botanical gardens were established on Jamaica. I reflect on the context and discourse that formed, shaped, empowered and disenfranchised these spaces and those who interacted with them.

The study focuses on the sandstone havelis (urban courtyard houses) of the desert city of Jusahner, north-west Rajasthan, India. While the city has been much admired by cortempotary Indian architects, their understanding has been a Modernist one, based largely on the idea of 'spatial organisation'. This is the first systematic study of the architectural tradition of Jaisalmer. The approach taken is one of detailed formal analysis, through which principles of design have been deduced. Two sources have provided the primary material: the buildings themselves, and the present-day practitioners of the craft tradition, who inherit their practices from the relatively recent, nineteenth-century heyday of kaveli building in the city. Drawings by the author, both detailed measured drawings, and explanatory drawings, have been an essential analytical tool, and form an integral part of the thesis. Setting the context of the tradition, the history of Jaisalmer is outlined, and the form of the city and its districts is described. Three distinct architectural schools, or shaili, are then identified. The Sompuriya shaili (the Sompuras are traditional temple builders) has its roots in the medieval architecture known from surviving temples, the Mughlai shaili is influenced by the imperial Mughal style, while the Angrezi (English) shaili brought an influx of western Classicism. Broadly speaking the schools and their respective styles correspond to three phases, but examples can be found combining these styles, for which a manner of explanations are put forward. The buildings are analysed at their various levels of organsiation: formal and spatial plamring, composition of elevations (interior and exterior), architectural components and details. It is argued mat, as a concept in design, architectural 'form' has traditionally taken precedence over 'space', and that the basic notions of centre, symmetry, and the relation of the part to the whole, are fundamental. Aedicules, miniature representations of buildings, play an important role as compositional elements. Freedom and great inventiveness is demonstrated on the part of the designers, within the medium of the architectural language. The building craftsmen in Jaisalmer work mainly for the local population, and can produce high quality craftsmanship comparable with the best workmanship of the past. Based on a period of six months (January - June, 2003) spent on site with a group of craftsmen, their tools and techniques are described, together with the principles that they use in making certain key components, particularly geometrical jalis (tracery screens). Although craftsmen have traditionally worked directly on stone, never recording designs on paper for fear of copying, the author's informants were willing to demonstrate their methods for the present study. Case studies illustrate the varied application in practice of the design principles. Nine havelis are surveyed, classified typlogically, and analysed in terms of their overall planning and composition. Two further, exceptional examples, from the Patuon ki Haveli group, are treated in greater detail.

By analysing landscape architectural representation, particularly drawing, the thesis contribution will develop the mode and process of making - poesis: between production and representation. Extending the work of James Corner on drawing within landscape architecture (1992), the thesis will develop a positive hermeneutics from the novelist Italo Calvino (1997) in which this agency of drawing can be understood and conceived. From this framework of operation, a number of drawing methods are to be developed - particularly heuristics and scoring which creates a positive valence for landscape architectural production. The focus will lie within the process or translation of drawing into landscape, or its process of ‘becoming’ (Vesely 2006, Evans 1996, 2000, Deleuze 1992). This focus will be contextualised amongst others by the work of: Paolo Soleri (1919- 2013), Wolf Hilbertz (1938-2007) and Lawrence Halprin (1916-2009). The agency of drawing is to be situated in broader theories of space and ‘everyday life’ particularly by extracting critical neo-Marxist notions and readings of social productions of space as found in Henri Lefebvre (1901 -1991) (De Certeau 1984, 1998, Lefebvre, 1991, 1996, 2003, Soja 1996, 2000 & Harvey 1989. 1996). The thesis contribution to knowledge will thus chart drawing use, communication, alternative strategies, and new concepts of urban environments; a ‘poetic mediation on existence’ (Kundera 1987). This very movement & ‘becoming’ whilst containing analysis, in each separate component, has yet to be collectively discussed in a constructive and meaningful way. This inturn will reflect back on the role of representation in the shaping and conception of space – this is the role of drawing in landscape architecture. This knowledge is enabled using methods of interdisciplinary exhibition, educational modules, oral history interviews and the history of professional landscape architecture practices, as well by deploying a visual literacy method within the thesis (Dee 2001, 2004).

In response to the prevalence and predicted increase in slums in the global south UN Habitat are presently advocating a phased street and public space led upgrading approach. Such an approach indicates that the discipline of landscape architecture, based on its skills, knowledge and expertise, has the potential to contribute to these marginalised contexts through the planning and design of public spaces. At present however, a coherent body of literature regarding the physical space of urban informality is lacking, meaning that landscape architects lack comprehensive understanding of the variations, which occur in this urban phenomena and therefore ineffective intervention tools. The research aims then are firstly, to develop the limited literature that exists on the relationship between people and the physical space of informality; challenging debates surrounding the development, presence, form, role, use and the associated identity, meaning and significance of open spaces. Secondly, to establish if there is a role for landscape architects to contribute to these marginalised contexts and, if so, whether and how they might contribute to the planning, design and management of open spaces. Central to the approach was ethnographic fieldwork in three informal settlements and two upgraded communities in Bangkok, Thailand. The settlements and identified public spaces were analysed using social science methods and those traditional to landscape architecture. The findings suggest that for successful intervention a landscape architects notion of what constitutes a ‘public’ ‘space’, along with notions and expectations of permanence and use may first have to be reconceived and understanding of the processes instigating place identity developed. Having questioned the relevance of applying dominant paradigms of landscape architectural theory and practice that have evolved the global north to the global south slum context, this thesis additionally proposes that the discipline may also require new ways of investigating, analysing and applying that knowledge.

This thesis examined the ecosystem services delivered by a new type of vegetation comprised of grasses and forbs organised in biodiverse naturalistic meadows. The study site was a 500 metres retrofitted linear greenway, the Grey to Green, installed in Sheffield (UK) city centre. A street survey showed users highly appreciated the vegetation and had an improved the perception of the urban environment and thus established the delivery of cultural ecosystem services. By means of a questionnaire and micro-climatic measurements, a thermal sensation scale for Sheffield was defined. In addition to evidence for the role of physiological acclimatisation, a link was found between appreciation of the green space and tolerance to thermal discomfort. The influence of psychological factors on thermal comfort was further investigated using a visual questionnaire. Results highlighted interactions between thermal preference, thermal expectation, landscape appreciation and long-term experience. The microclimatic regulating services of meadows was demonstrated via a yearlong comparative study of surface temperature against that of shaded and exposed turf and concrete. The results highlighted meadows have a measurable impact on reducing the Urban Heat Island effect; and, at times, more efficiently so than trees. The environmental simulation software Envi-Met was tested against field data and was showed to predict realistically surface temperature. This thesis demonstrated the usefulness of urban meadows in cultural and regulating ecosystem services delivery. They may ease surface heat accumulation, improve perceptual qualities of the urban environment and improve the sensation of thermal comfort. Thus, they contribute to making cities more liveable.

In landscape architecture, sites are commonly portrayed as being the inspiration behind practitioners’ ideas; lending a sense of legitimacy to projects seeking to connect people and place, and strengthening local identity by ‘coming from the site’. In landscape design theory, a site’s history, genius loci (spirit of place) and its physical and cultural contexts are considered to be highly significant shapers of material form in contemporary landscape architecture. Furthermore, professional practice renders the site survey as an exercise in data-gathering and/or as searching for the site’s ‘je ne sais quoi’. Students are encouraged to conduct these investigations neutrally and objectively before any analysis or interpretation. Such conceptions appear to rob novice designers of the confidence in their own decisions because they presume the site must ‘tell’ them what to do. Primarily benefiting students and early-career practitioners, the thesis challenges established ways of understanding and working with sites, as revealed through the embedded knowledge and expertise of experienced designers. It is an investigation into the circumstances and motivations that shape how landscape architects interpret sites and make design decisions, applicable to education and career-development. A pilot study of 109 award-winning landscape schemes and twenty four in-depth interviews demonstrates how sites are interpreted in light of a complex web of factors and ideas, and not simply ‘known’ through surveys or consulting the genius loci. It shows that the ideas, experience and knowledge brought to each landscape project are key to a landscape architect’s creativity. The study also reveals that sites are interpreted collaboratively, and that stakeholders have very different ideas about sites, all of which can impact working relationships and design decisions. Communication and listening are found to be key factors in professional practice. This research acknowledges the professional importance of the genius loci but reframes it as a name for the process of interpretation and decision-making undertaken by practitioners, based on their skills, knowledge and experience.

No description available.

Juniperus seravschanica is a keystone species within the northern mountains of Oman. The species appears to be declining in the area, particularly at lower altitudes, with little regeneration being recorded. Alterations in temperature and moisture availability due to climate change could be main responsible for this decline. The main aim of this research is to identify causes of decline and suggest viable conservation strategies that may have wider application for tree conservation in this region. Surveys indicate considerable foliar dieback of trees at lower altitudes (< 2500 m) with healthy trees limited to cooler (high altitude) or high moisture sites (wadis and depressions). A lack of juvenile trees indicates inadequate recruitment and highlights conservation concerns. Trees growing at low altitude had low growth rates compared to mid-altitude trees. Trees at low altitude produce fewer seeds and these have a lower proportion of viable, embryo intact seed (9%) with a low germination capacity. In controlled conditions, reducing irrigation below optimum reduced growth, even under optimal temperature. In field studies, seeds and young trees, 2 and 5-year-old, were planted at selected altitudes, Low (2220 m), Mid (2300 m) and High (2560 m); the planted trees were maintained under differential irrigation regimes. Planting young trees were more successful than seed sowing when re-establishing plants in the wild. Age of transplant was important with 5-year-old trees showing greater survival (> 97%) than younger stock. Younger stock only succeeded when planted at high altitude or provided with regular artificial irrigation at low altitude. The availability of high soil moisture was important in maintaining tree viability at low altitude; however, in some locations heat stress too may be limiting plant viability and growth. Practical conservation that includes selecting genotypes with greater drought/heat tolerance and augmenting natural habitat with more mature nursery-grown trees is strongly recommended to avoid further loss of this species.

This research investigates the evolution and identity of Chinese urban square, and how people use and perceive the urban squares in Chongqing. It aims to fill the potential gaps of the theoretical understanding of place identity in Chinese academic field, through an exploration of existing western literature regarding the place-related identity. The physical environment, social interaction and personal experience are identified as essential aspects that contribute greatly to the formation of place identity. A mix method approach is adopted to examine the relevance of theses theoretical findings with Chinese context in order to develop recommendations for future urban square design with an emphasis on improving its place identity. The historic review of the urban development of Chinese cities recognizes the impact of traditional legacy on the current understanding and space making strategies of urban squares. It is suggested that the representational design approach of urban squares that has largely focused on the physical environment is not only derived from ancient city making rules, but also associated with the political and economic incentives nowadays. Upon the awareness of the social values of urban square in terms of delivering a sense of identity, three case studies of three urban squares in Chongqing are conducted to examine how people use and perceive the urban square in their everyday life. The findings of case study confirm that ‘place’ is essentially a social product that acquires its meaning largely from human interpretation and experience. Despite the discontinuity between the contemporary urban square and traditional Chinese urban form, the emerging public activities are found to contribute significantly to the establishment of place identity by creating a bond of experience that incorporates both cultural and physical impacts. The research also demonstrates that the production of urban square in Chinese city cannot be regarded as merely technical issue dealing with physical dimension, rather, the social interaction that entails could shape the people-place relationship and the identity of it. The institutional changes and innovations in design strategy, as well the public engagement is recommended for future development of Chinese urban square that aims to deliver a sense of place identity.

From the last century, especially from the 1950s onward, many historical gardens in China have been repaired and restored. Although the aim was to preserve the cultural heritage, many of these gardens were modified during the conservation projects. This thesis focuses on one of the typical garden features, the rockwork. Like gardens, historic rockwork in China has often been transformed from a particular into a generic style. In view of this phenomenon, this thesis focuses on answering the following questions: How have the original appearance and states of rockwork been maintained in conservation projects? How can conservation practice be improved in order to accomplish more authentic restoration? Guided by these two main questions, this thesis aims to contribute to a more authentic restoration and conservation practice. At the beginning, with a critical review of the history of rockwork in China, evidence is shown that preferences in rockwork changed over time. Various trends and most common characteristics of different periods are also identified. The subsequent analysis of legislation and guidelines related to the conservation of rockwork reveal conservation principles during and since the twentieth century, which continue to develop and change up to the present day. An understanding of the various trends and conservation principles provides a solid basis for the evaluation of conservation projects. Four individual cases were then studied in depth to investigate the conservation treatments applied to historic rockwork and the influences on the retention of their original appearance and state. These case studies demonstrate that historic rockwork has been modified to various extents during the conservation process, its historic significance has been overlooked, and some have been restored based on current aesthetic standards. Even so, some of these projects are still considered as good examples to be followed. Based on the problems and good practices identified in the case studies, specific recommendations are finally provided, to prevent the repetition of past mistakes, and to guide and improve future conservation practices.